Should Trump Be 'Cordial' With Putin? Students Can Enter Contest From Mahwah Republicans

MAHWAH, NJ — Relations between the United States and Russia have ebbed and flowed over the decades, with tensions high during the Cold War. More recently, President Donald Trump's administration had talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to encourage peace, but last week posted on social media, "Vladimir, stop!" during Russia's attack on Kyiv in Ukraine.

(On Monday, the Russian president declared a three-day temporary ceasefire to honor the country's victory in World War II, reports said.)

The Mahwah Republican Club last month announced an essay contest that challenges high school seniors in Mahwah to weigh how cordial the U.S. should be with leaders like Putin and others who have been adversaries in the past.

Entries are due by May 31.

Contest Theme And Guidelines

The theme is, "President Donald Trump has had, at times, a cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has stated he wishes to meet with Xi Jinping, the president of China. What are the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining open lines of communication with nations throughout the world, irrespective of their reputations on the world stage or with the United States?”

The scholarship is offered to any high school senior who lives in Mahwah and who will attend college or a trade school after graduation.

Three awards will be given to Mahwah students in the amounts of $1,000, $500 and $250. Essays must be typed and a minimum of 1,000 words. All opinions expressed must be the student’s own.

Students of any political party affiliation may apply, the Club noted.

Use of AI, including Chat GPT, is not permitted.

Applicants must include name, address, email address, phone number, high school in which they are enrolled (or home schooled) and the college or trade school that they plan to attend.

Submissions must be sent to mahwahgop@mahwahgop.com.

Winners will be announced and presented with their award at the June meeting of the Mahwah Republican Club.

They noted, "The Mahwah Republican Club strives to engage high school seniors in critical thinking about today’s political landscape. Over the years the Club has received inspirational and moving essays that demonstrate the concern Mahwah’s young adults have for topics that are relevant to
democracy."

Find out more here.